If you’re not sure what to do with cannellini beans, look no further! This page has 20 delicious cannellini bean recipes for soups, salads, bruschetta, pastas, and dips.
Today I’ve updated with new recipes this roundup that I originally published three years ago. In essence, these are recipes for cannellini beans that I make for my family. That way, you can see how good these simple beans can be!
Cannellini beans are one of the best pantry staples you should always have on hand. They have a great texture, a hearty flavor, and great nutrition.
They’re economical, versatile, easily accessible, and best of all, they are sensational to make delicious, filling, protein-packed meals.
I love their creaminess and fluffy texture. They’re comforting but light at the same time. They’re also amazingly nutritious as they provide plenty of protein, fiber, iron and magnesium.
You can turn them into a warming soup, or a super quick salad in no time. But you can also use them to make dips, one-pot pasta dishes, or just eat them with garlicky bread and extra virgin olive oil.
This list has a lot of cannellini bean recipes that everyone will love, whether they like meat or not.
Cannellini beans are a pantry staple in many kitchens, Their creamy texture and nutty flavor make them extremely versatile, But if you find yourself wondering “what can I do with cannellini beans?” then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, I share 25 irresistible recipes using cannellini beans. From hearty soups and stews to flavorful salads and sides, these recipes prove just how delicious and versatile these beans can be.
Also known as white kidney beans, cannellini beans are a variety of white beans originating from Italy. They have a tender texture and an earthy, nutty flavor
Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. Just one cup of cooked beans contains around 12 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein. They are also packed with key micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
When it comes to cooking with cannellini beans, you can use them in place of other beans in most recipes. Their creaminess makes them perfect for pureeing into dips and spreads. They also hold their shape nicely when simmered in soups and stews.
Now let’s get to those irresistible recipes!
10 Savory Cannellini Bean Recipes
If you’re looking for hearty, satisfying ways to use up cannellini beans, these savory recipes are sure to please:
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White Bean and Tomato Stew – This cozy, one-pot stew features cannellini beans simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
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Cannellini Bean and Kale Soup – Feel the warmth with this vegetarian soup. Cannellini beans pair perfectly with nutrient-rich kale.
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Italian White Bean Salad – Chickpeas and cannellini beans are tossed with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in this easy Italian-inspired salad.
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Baked Cannellini Bean Tacos – Spiced cannellini beans, cheese, and lettuce wrapped in tortillas make a tasty meatless taco option.
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White Bean Bruschetta – For an easy appetizer, top toasted bread with a mix of cannellini beans, tomatoes, and basil.
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Cannellini Bean Hummus – Creamy, lemon-kissed cannellini beans blend beautifully into this protein-packed hummus dip.
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White Bean Chili – All the flavor of classic chili, but made with cannellini beans instead of red kidney beans.
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Cannellini Bean and Roasted Veggie Salad – Toss beans with roasted vegetables like carrots, beets, and asparagus for a hearty and healthy salad.
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Creamy Cannellini Bean Pasta – Transform your favorite pasta into a protein-rich meal with cannellini beans and spinach.
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Slow Cooker Cannellini Bean and Sausage Soup – Let your slow cooker do the work making this hearty bean and sausage stew.
10 Unique Cannellini Bean Recipes
If you’re looking to showcase cannellini beans in unexpected ways, give these unique recipes a try:
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White Bean Blondies – That’s right, blondies made with white beans! They’re fudgy, flourless, and full of protein.
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Cannellini Bean Waffles – Another sweet spin, these protein-packed waffles are made with mashed cannellini beans.
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White Bean Turkey Burgers – For a juicy and satisfying burger, add beans to your ground turkey patties.
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White Bean and Chicken Curry – Cannellini beans absorb all the fabulous flavors of this coconut curry sauce.
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Cannellini Bean Spread – Puree beans with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a creamy sandwich spread or dip.
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White Bean and Artichoke Dip – The combination of cannellini beans and marinated artichokes makes a rich, crave-worthy dip.
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Cannellini Bean Guacamole – By swapping half the avocado for creamy beans, you can make your guac stretch further.
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White Bean and Kale Pesto – This nut-free pesto gets its creaminess from cannellini beans instead of pine nuts or cheese.
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White Bean Polenta – Creamy polenta gets an extra protein punch from the addition of cannellini beans.
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Cannellini Bean Risotto -Beans help make this risotto extra creamy, with no stirring required.
5 More Simple Cannellini Bean Salad Recipes
Salads are one of my favorite ways to use up a can of cannellini beans. Here are 5 delicious salad recipes to add to your regular rotation:
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Mediterranean Cannellini Bean Salad – Toss beans with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese for a fresh Greek-inspired salad.
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Cannellini Bean Caprese Salad – Beans, mozzarella, and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic make a satisfying salad.
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Warm Cannellini Bean Salad with Bacon – Warm cannellini beans tossed with crisp bacon bits, spinach, and a tangy dressing are irresistible.
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Southwestern Cannellini Bean Salad – Black beans and cannellini pair perfectly with corn, avocado, and a chipotle-lime dressing.
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Italian Cannellini and Tuna Salad – Flaky tuna, white beans, red onions, and olives in an herby Italian dressing.
Satisfying and Simple Cannellini Bean Recipes
Canned or dried, cannellini beans are an affordable and versatile pantry staple. Their mild flavor allows them to work in both sweet and savory dishes. Next time you open up a can, I hope you’ll give one of these irresistible cannellini bean recipes a try!
Do you have to cook canned cannellini beans?
NO, canned cannellini beans are great because they are easy to use and already cooked, so you don’t have to do anything else to cook them. However, before using them in any recipe, drain and possibly rinse them.
Cannellini beans are hearty and creamy, and they taste great whether they are canned, dried, used in soups, salads, stews, toasts, or not.
Are cannellini beans good for you?
Yes, they’re an excellent source of fiber and important micronutrients. Plus, they’re packed with protein and contain zero fat. This is a big plus if you’re vegan or just want to make a tasty meatless meal with what you have on hand.
Cannellini beans provencale recipe
FAQ
What are cannellini beans good for?
Are cannellini beans as healthy as chickpeas?
How do you serve cannellini?
Should you drain canned cannellini beans?